Senate may flunk school-funding plan

House Speaker Armond Budish talked about momentum yesterday as he announced that the Democrats' school-funding plan had won an endorsement from a statewide education group.

House Speaker Armond Budish talked about momentum yesterday as he announced that the Democrats' school-funding plan had won an endorsement from a statewide education group.

But that momentum is likely to fade once a divided House votes today to send the education plan to the GOP-controlled Senate. The measure is part of the two-year, $54 billion budget.

Republicans won't say exactly what they have in store for the plan, but some are talking about a complete rewrite, and several say they don't want to commit to a 10-year phase-in that they don't think the state can afford.

"The scary part of their plan is not the present, it's the future," said Sen. Jon Husted, R-Kettering, the former House speaker. "I don't see how we're going to sign onto something that is so irresponsible."

Yesterday, the Ohio Association of School Business Officials, which mainly represents school treasurers, endorsed the education-reform and -funding plan proposed by Gov. Ted Strickland and modified by House Democrats.

Barbara Shaner, the group's associate executive director, said the plan will improve "the culture" of the school-funding discussion around the Statehouse. She also noted that her group will be part of the committee formed to observe how the funding plan works and recommend changes for future budgets.

"The plan is not perfect, but it represents good progress in an education system that works for all students, no matter where they live," she said. "We know it is impossible to fully fund this plan in the short run, yet we are optimistic we will get there with the commitment on the part of state leaders."

The plan offers school groups the promise of billions of dollars in additional money over the next decade. The difference between the Democrats' proposed 2010 funding and what it would take to fully pay for the plan is about $2.5 billion.

Rep. Stephen Dyer, D-Green, who helped craft House changes to Strickland's plan, argued it can be done.

"We simply need to have the same commitment that we've had to education in the previous 10 years in the next 10 years," he said.

But considering budget revenue projections for 2012-13 and the fact that the proposed education budget is propped up with $845 million in one-time federal stimulus money, Republicans say it just can't be done without a tax increase.

Senate Finance Chairman John Carey, R-Wellston, said the education plan would require districts to make costly changes -- all-day kindergarten, smaller class sizes and 20 more days of school -- without sufficient funding.

"We're in a major recession, and it's clear we don't have many additional resources to put into education," Carey said.

Sen. Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, said the plan needs a complete overhaul, including removing many of Strickland's proposed reforms. He said major changes such as graduation requirements and all-day kindergarten need more than a few weeks of study.

He also doesn't think the money is there.

"I'm not ready to sign off on some 10-year plan that's not funded," Seitz said.

Some Republicans also say that although statewide groups endorse the plan, they're hearing otherwise from individual districts.

"Every education group is publicly for it, but we are getting tons of calls and e-mails (from districts) saying it's not going to work," said Sen. Christopher R. Widener, R-Springfield.

During more than four hours of testimony yesterday before the Senate Finance Committee, state Superintendent Deborah Delisle said districts should be given flexibility in meeting reforms.

Delisle wants to give districts options for meeting many of the requirements in the governor's plan, with the highest-performing districts getting the most leeway. For instance, to meet a 15-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio for kindergarten through third grade, a district could fund a literacy program.

She said Democratic leaders in the House rejected her request, but she is hopeful it will win inclusion in the GOP-controlled Senate.

Delisle testified that she also wants the budget bill to include a requirement that districts set aside time for professional development.

While Strickland wants to give districts money for professional development, there is no requirement that such time be included in the school year. Delisle recommends that teachers receive up to 10 days for professional development, and that some of the additional 20 days of school that the governor advocates could be used for that purpose.